JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Numbers 6:24 to 26.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

This was the way that Aaron and his sons were to bless the Israelites. It is commonly known as the priestly blessing. This is sometimes used as a benediction in church services today.

When Jesus is brought into view, we can see how He fulfills this verse for those who follow Him. In Christ, we are filled with God’s grace and peace. We are blessed with God’s favor, and kept securely in His love.

This Light Reflection inspires us to proclaim this blessing of God’s peace and grace in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Q and A Segment explores the question, “What is the priestly blessing?”

In Numbers 6:24, The LORD instructed Moses how to direct Aaron and his sons to bless the Israelites:

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you: The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

This is a benediction sometimes given at the end of church services today. This blessing reflects God’s heart for us to know His peace and grace, which satisfies our soul and makes our joy complete.

This blessing is ultimately realized through a relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the way for us to experience God’s favor. Grace and peace prevail in the hearts of those who turn away from sin and turn to Christ for forgiveness and direction in the Year of Exploration.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment Of Celebration reflects on words of blessing.

In Numbers 6:24, the LORD told Moses to tell Aaron and his sons how to bless the Israelites. This has become known as the priestly blessing:

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

As we see in the New Testament, First Peter 2:9 talks about followers of Jesus being a royal priesthood. We are ministers of the Gospel. We can be used of God to speak blessing on our families, our churches, and our nation. Ultimately, we are not the source of blessing. God is. That is why our blessing for others comes in the form of a prayer. We pray for the LORD to bless them and to keep them in His love. We pray for the LORD to grant them His favor with grace and peace.

This is something we can do for the well-being of our loved ones daily-by praying God’s blessing on them and looking for ways to bless them through our words and actions.

The words of blessing are reasons to be glad in the Year of Celebration.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com